Clarias batrachus

Red Tailed Catfish

A true monster of the catfish world, the Red Tailed Catfish is the largest of the catfish available in the hobby। Many people believe that offering this fish for sale in pet shops should be banned, due its enormous size once fully grown and its predatory nature. They have a dark, speckled upper body, white throat and dark fins, and its trademark red tail, these catfish are dramatic enough to appeal to almost anyone. Sadly, very few people realise the size that a Red Tail will achieve and the effort required in providing one of these monsters with adequate housing and feeding for the duration of its life. Local aquariums often become dumping grounds for unwanted Red Tails, but their generosity can only stretch so far. I would ask anyone reading this profile and considering purchasing a Red Tailed Catfish to please be sure that you are ready and willing to house this fish in a suitable tank and provide it with proper care and feeding for the next 20 to 30 years, as that is the general lifespan of a Red Tailed Catfish.